After the release of Squid Game 2, actor Song Young-Chang’s criminal past involving child exploitation resurfaces (Image credit: IMDb/YouTube)

All eyes are on the Korean drama Squid game after its world premiere on December 26th. The dark thriller became Netflix’s top series in 93 countries. Shortly after the premiere, old allegations were made against one of the supporting actors, Song Young Chang reappeared. The actor was arrested in 2000 and charged with inappropriate behavior toward a minor. Fans expressed their outrage and disappointment over the makers hiring the actor online. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest controversy surrounding the Korean series.

Song Young-Chang’s criminal past comes to the surface again

A day or two after the premiere, netizens began discussing Song Young-Chang’s casting as Player 100. The veteran has been working in the South Korean industry for 35 years, starting with film My love, my bride (1990). According to the website Where’s the buzz?In 2000, Young-Chang first ran into legal trouble when he was arrested by police in September 2000 for inappropriate behavior towards a minor. According to multiple reports, the actor was accused of having sexual relations with a 16-year-old twice in his car near a park in Goyang and paying the minor for his services.

The incident with the then 42-year-old actor was made worse by the fact that the teenager recognized him from his previous projects. This led to the actor being prosecuted for his actions and becoming the first celebrity to be arrested for a sexual affair with a minor. Young-Chang faces ten months in prison and two years probation for violating the Youth Protection Act. However, since the actor had no criminal record and showed remorse for his crimes during his 36 days in prison. His sentence was later suspended.

Following the incident, Young-Chang was permanently banned from South Korea’s major television networks, including KBS, EBS and MBC. The actor worked in musical theater for several years before his comeback in films and series.

The reaction from fans online was strong

Squid game and K-drama fans expressed their disappointment with the creators of their cast. They called the series “a production for criminals to revive their careers.” One fan said: “Anp someone should just make a list of Squid Game male actors who are NOT criminals.” Another added: “The fact that Squid Game is a show full of criminal actors who “But you still exaggerate like nothing happened is just disgusting.” Several threads and links were shared on X informing other newer fans of Squid Game about the actor’s criminal past.